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‘Pirate Bay for Android’ closed down

Blapkmarket, a service that allowed Android users to ‘try’ apps for free has been shut down.

The service let users download apps and use them without ever needing to pay for them.

Although the proclaimed intention of Blapkmarket was to let users ‘try before they buy’ beyond the Android Market’s built-in 24 hour refund time limit, it’s clear that it allowed users to effectively steal apps.

The service’s admin, going by the name of ‘Jesusxxx’, has now been informed by email that his host has shut him down.

While a couple of Android blogs (see Android Guys and Phandroid) say that this is a sad day for people wanting to test apps before buying, I say “Are you crazy?”

Mobile apps are (with very few exceptions) cheap and disposable. While trial periods are a good idea, Android’s standard 24 hour trails should be enough for any user to work out whether their $3 or so is well spent.

iPhone users get no trial period and no easy route to a refund so the Android world really does have it good by comparison.

Where Blapkmarket had an almost-legitimate role was allowing users access to region-locked apps that may not be on sale in their local store. However, the solution here should be campaigning for an end to region-locking – not piracy.

Despite the well-publicised success stories, many app developers aren’t making a great deal of money. A service that screws these often small operations out of their meagre income really has no defence.